Building a life: the Jennings Germans story
‘Hardship, loneliness, the language barrier, it was all worthwhile. I have seen a country grow, I have helped build a city...’ – Karl Cloos
In 1951, a group of 150 young German men left the security of their homeland and the comfort of their families to travel half-way around the world to Australia, to work in a tiny city called Canberra.
So begins the extraordinary story of the ‘Jennings Germans’, and their unique contribution to not only a capital, but a whole new country.
Building a Life: the Jennings Germans story is an exhibition curated by the Canberra Museum and Gallery. This website—made possible by the generous assistance of AV Jennings and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany—gives an overview of the exhibition, its key themes and objects, and expands on some of the stories told in the show. Take a moment to look around and discover the incredible story of the ‘Jennings Germans’ and their legacy here in Australia.
For a brief overview of the history of the Jennings Germans, you can read the curator’s essay here
A Growing city
In 1950 Canberra was still a small, sleepy town with a population of less than 20,000.
Opportunity calls
When the call went out for men to come to Australia—a country portrayed as full of sunshine, freedom and opportunity—it was difficult to resist.
Life in Canberra
Arriving in Canberra was – to say the least – a shock.
A Piece of Home
Within weeks of the men arriving, German music, dancing and language could be heard filtering through the hills of Canberra.
Life After Jennings
The two years passed quickly and before the men knew it their contract was completed. What now?
More than Builders
The Jennings Germans were always more than just ‘builders’.
Love and Support
They say behind every great man is an even greater woman, and many of the Jennings Germans would wholeheartedly agree
Homecoming
Germany always held a special place in the hearts of the Jennings Germans and continues to do so for their families
Legacy
It is almost 70 years since the Jennings Germans first arrived in Canberra, but their fingerprints can still be seen all over the capital
Image Gallery
Take a visual tour through the exhibition space
Visit the CMAG website